Germplasm Activity – Distribution
The distribution of germplasm is one of the important activities of genetic resources centres. The specific germplasm lines are supplied to the users on demand for utilisation in the crop improvement programmes.
1. Distribution of germplasm is the responsibility of the gene bank centres where the germplasm is maintained and conserved.
2. The germplasm is usually supplied to the workers who are engaged in the research work of a particular crop species.
3. Germplasm samples are generally supplied free of cost to avoid cumbersome work of book keeping.
4. The quantity of seed samples to be sent is usually small; depend on the availability of seed material and demands received for the same and several other factors.
5. Proper records are maintained about the important characters of the accessions to the distributor who will record the information in the germplasm register for documentation purpose.
6. The germplasm is usually distributed after evaluation by collecting centres for one or two crop seasons. It helps in acclimatization and purification of the material.
7. Without distribution to the actual users, there is no point in collecting the germplasm.